Manure Management Each 1000 pound horse produces 9 tons/year That’s equal to 50 lbs per day Urine amounts of 6-10 gallons also add 50 lbs per day Nutrient Value per Ton Nitrogen-19 pounds Phosphorus- 14 pounds Potassium-36 pounds One ton of horse manure equal to 50 lbs of fertilizer

Manure Management Horse Management Programs Graze full time on pasture with supplemental winter feed, manure is not collected, spread by harrow during growing season Confined system with manure being removed from pens daily, manure is composted or stockpiled for later land application

Manure Management Grazing Management Rotational Grazing benefits distribution Harrowing spreads manure, reduces fly count and speeds decomposition of manure

Manure Management Daily Collection Options Stockpile and apply to land require adequate storage area with runoff control and keep 150 feet away from stream or lake Try not to apply to pasture to keep parasites down Composting Reduces volume by 40-60% Take proper C:N ratio of 25:1 to 30:1

Manure Management Composting Horse manure has a C:N ratio of 50:1 Must add nitrogen to mix Good sources are grass clippings, hay, or fertilizer sources of Nitrogen Moisture balance is critical Keep moist but not soggy Aerate by turning regularly

Manure Management Composting Apply compost to land at the rate of ton per acre Make sure internal temperature of compost pile reaches 145 degrees F. Use compost bin Construct from wood Round bales Use 5-gallon of fertile soil or mature compost to start Should take 6 months to breakdown